Tomonobu Itagaki, the game designer responsible for reviving the Ninja Gaiden franchise and creating the Dead or Alive series, has passed away at the age of 58. The Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive franchises have brought forth a variety of beloved action titles over the years, further showcasing Itagaki’s influence on the gaming industry.
Itagaki first joined Tecmo in 1992, which would eventually give rise to his own division, Team Ninja. The team’s first project, Dead or Alive, hit the scene as a competitor to Sega’s Virtua Fighter, and it put Itagaki on the map, as it launched a successful fighting series. After a few more years of successful entries under the Dead or Alive name, Ninja Gaiden made its way back into the spotlight in 2004 after lying dormant for over a decade. Team Ninja’s modern iteration of Ninja Gaiden has made it one of the most notable action franchises of the century.
Tomonobu Itagaki Leaves Behind a Strong Legacy of Fighting and Action Titles
The news of Itagaki’s death was revealed via his own Facebook page. A close unnamed friend of the celebrated game designer was asked to publish his last message to the world in the event of his passing. As of now, the cause of his death has not been specified, and it’s not known if it ever will be. However, Itagaki’s final Facebook post makes it clear that he was preparing for the day that he would have to address his family and fans.
Last Words
The light of my life is finally fading.
The fact that this message has been posted means that the time has finally come.
I am no longer in this world.
(I am entrusting this final post to someone important to me.)
My life has been a series of battles. I kept winning.
I have caused a lot of trouble, too.
I am proud to say that I followed my beliefs and fought to the end.
I have no regrets.
However, I am filled with regret that I was unable to deliver a new work to all my fans. I am sorry.
That’s how it is.
So it goes.
Itagaki Tomonobu
His last message is straightforward, but heartfelt. Itagaki made his mark on the industry by being unafraid to push boundaries with his games, like Dead or Alive‘s controversial blend of sexuality and violence. Fans and colleagues, like Tekken director and producer Katsuhiro Harada, have taken to social media to share messages of condolences and shock. Although Itagaki left Team Ninja back in 2008, his passing arrives mere days before the launch of the highly-anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4, which is set to be released on October 21.
His regret about not being able to bring another game to fans is understandable, but his legacy of past titles still brings joy to many gamers, and that’s a powerful mark to leave on the world. Tomonobu Itagaki’s passing marks the end of an influential and strong history in gaming. Although he will be missed by many in the industry, he still lives on in the action-packed Dead or Alive franchise and the modern retelling of Ninja Gaiden.
- Released
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October 21, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
- Publisher(s)
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Xbox Game Studios
